BUENAS OLAS
Santa Catalina offers the perfect conditions for surfing : from totally beginners to the most seasoned and “big waves” surfers from all over the world.
The Point Break (La Punta) is the most famous surf spot here in Santa Catalina, and one of the most consistent in Panama or all of Central America! If you are not an advanced surfer, not to worry, there are a few more options, including a beach break which is great for beginners.
The following is a list of locations and their distance from Santa Catalina Villas.
Santa Catalina "Town" Beach – Gets good when the point is SCARY HUGE and
is just 12 minutes walking from SCV
La Punta – 5 minutes walking.
Punta Roca – 30-40 minute walk down a footpath from the town beach.
This left needs a decent swell to be surfable, but tends to tube when it gets going.
Estero Beach – 10 minute walk. No rocks, all sand, a great place to learn or practice before you go to the point.
Punta Brava – 20 minute walk from SCV. Continue to the end of Estero Beach and around the point, OR a 10-15 minute drive from SCV taking the car onto Estero Beach to the end (around the rocks), parking and walking the rest at low tide which is when this wave is at its best.
Surfboards are available for purchase or rental at various shops/hotels/restaurants upon arrival.
The talent that comes out of Santa Catalina as far as surfing is concerned, is one of the best in Panama, and most of the time they occupy the highest positions in the ranking of national circuits.
At World level, we can mention Jean Carlos González, better known as Oli Camarena, who won 2nd place, Silver Medal in the World Open held on this beach, Diego Salgado 7 times national champion and Alejandro Cholito Alfonso among others. There are many other talents to mention and that were not in this photo session, also other veteran "Chargers" who have left the name of Santa Catalina high and you will surely hear from them if you visit the place for enough time.
Other Surf locations in Panama :
With an incredible mix of beach breaks, reef breaks and point breaks, Panama is surfers’ heaven. Not only is it possible to surf all year round, but you can ride waves on the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans on the same day, thanks to the country’s narrow geography. Discover the best places to surf and begin your adventure on the widely unexplored shores of Panama.
Panama Bay beaches
Easily accessible from the capital, you will find a series of beach breaks stretching from Punta Chame, to El Palmar and all the way to Buenaventura. The Panama Bay is a good place for both bodyboarding and surfing, suiting people of all ages and experience levels. Thanks to its proximity to the city, it is also perfect for a beach dayor a weekend getaway.
Playa Venao, Azuero Peninsula
Located in the Azuero Peninsula, about five hours away from Panama City, Playa Venao offers the perfect mix of surf adventure and fun. One of the most famous beach breaks in Panama, it hosts some of the biggest competitions in the country and is also known for its great beach parties. Playa Venao is also home to some excellent hostels and hotels.
Cambutal, Azuero Peninsula
Cambutal is a famous beach known for its high waves, as well as being one of the chosen spots where sea turtles go to lay their eggs. A natural wonder, it is located one hour away from Playa Venao with plenty of hotels and lodges for surfers and ecotourists.
Morro Negrito, Pacific Coast
Morro Negrito is a famous surf destination in Central America. The small beach town is located on an unspoilt island off the Pacific Coast of Panama, surrounded by mangroves and with a rich wildlife. With several islands in the vicinity, it is a unique location with both point breaks and beach breaks.
